Indigenous
Leadership Project

Born in South Australia, a proud Adnyamathanha/Narungga man, Adam moved to Victoria as young boy and developed a passion for Australian Rules Football. After he was drafted by the Sydney Swans from the North Ballarat U18s, Adam had an AFL career spanning over seventeen seasons, retiring in September 2015. Adam had a highly decorated AFL career including being awarded the prestigious Rising Star medal and twice receiving the Brownlow Medal.

Adam has been a member of the National Indigenous Council (an advisory body to the Federal Government on Indigenous affairs), and Supply Nation (a government-funded body aimed at growing the Indigenous business sector through the promotion of supplier diversity in Australia). In 2014, Adam was named Australian of the Year in recognition of his community work aimed at empowering the next generation of Indigenous role models as well as his advocacy in the fight against racism. 

Adam is a Director of the Australian Literacy and Numeracy Foundation and STAND (Support Through Natural Disasters), a co-venture between Woolworths and the Salvation Army.  He is also the CEO and Co-Founder of the Indigenous Defence & Infrastructure Consortium (iDiC), an organisation that aims to increase the participation of Indigenous companies in long term nation building projects.

Adam is also an Ambassador for the Racism It Stops With Me campaign, and for a brands including Toyota, David Jones, Qantas and Woolworths.

Emeritus Professor Barney Glover AO is a distinguished Australian academic leader and public policy expert, currently serving as Commissioner of Jobs and Skills Australia, a role he commenced in April 2024. An accomplished mathematician and educator, Emeritus Professor Glover is widely respected for his leadership across higher education, research, and skills system reform, and for his deep engagement with First Nations peoples and disadvantaged communities.

Emeritus Professor Glover served as Vice Chancellor and President of Western Sydney University from 2014 to 2024, where he was a strong advocate for equity, place-based education, and university industry collaboration. Prior to this, he was Vice Chancellor of Charles Darwin University (2009–2013) and has held senior research leadership roles at the University of Newcastle and Curtin University.

He has played a significant national leadership role as Chair of Universities Australia (2015–2017) and has served on numerous government, industry and cultural boards. In 2019, he was appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) for distinguished service to tertiary education and professional associations. Emeritus Professor Glover is a Fellow of the Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering and the Royal Society of New South Wales.

Charlene Davison is a distinguished Aboriginal leader and advocate with more than two decades of experience driving systemic reform in Indigenous education, workforce development, and reconciliation. A proud Biripi and Gadigal woman, she has built her career across the NSW Government and the non-profit sector, championing structural change to improve outcomes for First Nations communities.

During her 20-year tenure in the NSW Government, Charlene advanced key reforms that strengthened Aboriginal leadership and workforce participation. At the NSW Public Service Commission, she led initiatives to expand Aboriginal career pathways and embed cultural capability across government agencies. At the NSW Department of Education, she oversaw transformative programs that increased the annual recruitment of Aboriginal teachers from 30 to more than 100, supporting many to progress into senior and executive roles. Her leadership contributed to her team receiving the 2019 NSW Premier’s Award for building a strong and inclusive workforce.

In 2021, Charlene became the first Aboriginal CEO of the GO Foundation, guiding its transition to Indigenous led governance. She oversees a wraparound scholarship model supporting more than 1,000 First Nations students, emphasising cultural identity and the guiding principle: “If you can see it, you can be it.”

A long-time advocate for reconciliation, Charlene is deeply committed to truth telling and celebrating and promoting Aboriginal Excellence.

Associate Professor Corey Tutt OAM is a proud Gamilaraay man, a passionate advocate for STEM education, and a trailblazer in supporting the next generation of First Nations scientists and innovators. As the Founder and CEO of DeadlyScience, Corey has dedicated his career to providing Indigenous students across Australia with the resources, tools, and support they need to succeed in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields.

In addition to his advocacy and leadership in education, Corey is an accomplished author with several books that celebrate the intersection of Indigenous culture and science. His notable works include The First Scientists: Deadly Inventions and Innovations from Australia’s First Peoples, which highlights the remarkable contributions of Indigenous Australians to science and technology; This Book Thinks You’re Deadly, an empowering book that encourages young readers to take pride in their heritage and follow their dreams; Caution: This Book Contains Deadly Reptiles!, a fun and informative exploration of Australia’s reptiles through an Indigenous lens. Through his books, Corey aims to inspire young readers to appreciate the deep knowledge and wisdom of Indigenous cultures while promoting the importance of cultural heritage in shaping the future of STEM.

Uncle Harry Allie AM BEM is a respected Gudjala Elder and distinguished Royal Australian Air Force veteran. Over a 23-year career from 1966 to 1989, Uncle Harry rose to the rank of Warrant Officer and later became the first Indigenous Elder of both the RAAF and the Australian Defence Force, serving from 2012 to 2021. His dedication and leadership have been recognised with several honours, including the British Empire Medal (1980) and more recently a Member of the Order of Australia (2023). 

Following his military service, Uncle Harry continued contributing to community and public life through roles in the Defence Industry and Australian Public Service, focusing on Indigenous programs, community engagement and veteran support. He has participated in numerous committees, championing recognition for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander servicemen and servicewomen and strengthening connections between communities and institutions.

At Western Sydney University, Uncle Harry is an inaugural member of the Indigenous Elders Advisory Committee. In this role, he helps the University connect with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff, students and communities. The Indigenous Elders Advisory Committee, made up of respected Elders, provides cultural leadership, mentoring and guidance across all campuses.

Uncle Harry also acknowledges the significance of Country, recognising that the University’s campuses stand on Aboriginal land and paying deep respect to Elders past and present. He warmly welcomes students and staff, encouraging them to embrace their responsibilities as community ambassadors. He reminds them that their journeys have the potential to empower, inspire and drive meaningful change—an invitation he offers with generosity, pride and hope.

Jahin Tanvir is the CEO of the Australian School of Entrepreneurship, a three-time TEDx speaker, investor and high-performance coach. At just 21 years old, he was named among the 40 Under 40 Most Influential Asian-Australians. 

At 21, Jahin became CEO of the Australian School of Entrepreneurship, making him one of the youngest leaders of a national social enterprise in Australia. Since then, ASE has grown into the country's largest youth-led social enterprise, supporting 274,197 young Australians through life skills education, leadership development and entrepreneurship programs. Notably, 51% of participants come from regional, rural and remote communities. 

Participants in ASE programs have generated more than $16 million in income, revenue and funding through businesses, projects and community initiatives, strengthening local economies and pathways into employment. 

Born in Bangladesh and raised in Western Sydney, Jahin understands firsthand the role confidence, opportunity and mentorship play in shaping young people's futures. He was previously a finalist for Young Australian of the Year and named Canberra Young Citizen of the Year during his time as a university student. 

Beyond his work in education and entrepreneurship, Jahin is a recognised Imposter Syndrome expert and high-performance coach, working across sport and corporate environments. He has supported athletes and teams within Formula 1, Cricket NSW, Sydney FC, Melbourne City FC, NRL Bulldogs and Red Bull, and delivered leadership and performance training for organisations including Westpac, Canva, Microsoft, Specsavers, Suncorp, Atlassian and multiple Australian government clients. 

Jahin is also a regular media commentator, appearing on ABC's Q+A, ABC News, Channel 9 and Channel 7, where he speaks on leadership, youth engagement and performance under pressure. He has a background in optometry and has previously served as a UNICEF Australia Young Ambassador, reflecting his commitment to evidence-based practice and social impact.

As a first-generation migrant, Jahin is driven by a simple belief: postcode, background or circumstance should never define potential. His work bridges education, industry and community, helping young people step into leadership now, not later.

Michael is a proud Kaurna, Ngarrindjeri, and Narungga man, celebrated AFL legend, and respected leader in business and community development. Known widely as “Micky O,” he built an extraordinary 15 season career with the Sydney Swans before transitioning into influential national roles supporting Indigenous education, employment, and leadership.

From 1995 to 2009, O’loughlin became one of the most distinguished Indigenous players in AFL history. He was the first Sydney Swan to reach 300 games, finishing with 303 games and 521 goals, and was a key member of the club’s historic 2005 Premiership team. His honours include induction into the Australian Football Hall of Fame (2015), selection in the Indigenous Team of the Century, two All Australian selections, and the 2009 Madden Medal for excellence on and off the field.

In 2009, O’loughlin co founded the GO Foundation with Adam Goodes. Today, the foundation has supported more than 1,900 Indigenous students through its education scholarship programs, and O’loughlin continues to serve as Deputy Chair and Non Executive Director.

He is the Managing Director and Owner of ARA Indigenous Services, a company dedicated to creating sustainable career pathways for First Nations people. O’loughlin also serves as a Non Executive Director on the Sydney Swans Board and leads the selection panel for the AFL Indigenous All Stars, reinforcing his enduring commitment to community, opportunity, and Indigenous excellence.

Aunty Rasme is a proud Meriam woman from Erub and Mer Islands in Zenadth Kes (Torres Strait). Educated in Innisfail and later at CEGS in Brisbane, she has spent more than 50 years actively involved in Indigenous affairs. Her early career was in primary education across North Queensland and South Australia for a decade before joining the Public Service working with the Aboriginal Development Commission, then the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Commission across South Australia, the ACT and NSW, working in the housing, legal services and public affairs areas. Alongside her professional roles, she volunteered with numerous Indigenous community organisations. She received a Universal Peace Foundation Living for Others award in 2008.

As an accredited cross cultural awareness trainer, she operated her own consultancy business after retiring, delivering programs to organisations including GP education bodies, NSW TAFE, international language schools and government agencies. Passionate about Indigenous history, culture and combating racism, Aunty Rasme has influenced many through education and improving cultural understandings.

Aunty Rasme was a founding member of the Women’s Reconciliation Network NSW and served as one of the co-chairs during the Decade of Reconciliation. The WRN still continues good work today. In 2020, ardent on social activism, she became a foundation member of the Cultural Diversity Network Inc., supporting migrants and refugees. She feels very strongly that all that share our lands need to understand our true history. She has served on the Western Sydney University Indigenous Elders Advisory Committee since 2008. Her guiding belief remains: “Understanding our past not only helps us to comprehend the present but enables us build a better future together.”

Aunty Rayna has dedicated her entire career to advancing education for learners of all ages across western NSW, south‑west Sydney, and western Sydney. As a teacher and trainer, she has consistently served as a trusted source and negotiator for Aboriginal cultural knowledge, particularly supporting students and families experiencing crisis or significant life disruptions.

Throughout her career, Aunty Rayna has been instrumental in establishing new courses that strengthen technology and vocational capabilities, with a strong focus on increasing access and participation for Aboriginal students. She has worked tirelessly to address the social and physical barriers that often hinder student achievement, advocating for equity and culturally safe learning environments.

In recent years, Aunty Rayna has supported Badanami students at Western Sydney University, acting as a positive role model and encouraging them to pursue lifelong learning and personal excellence. Her commitment to educational equity extends to her role on the Western Sydney University Elders Advisory Committee, where she contributes her experience and cultural leadership to improve outcomes for students and their families.

Aunty Rayna now aims to continue this lifelong commitment as an Ambassador of the Indigenous Centre of Excellence (ICOE), remaining true to her spirit, her purpose, and her community.

Aunty Ros Fogg OAM is a respected Dharug Elder from Western Sydney whose life’s work reflects a deep and enduring connection to her Country, Culture, and Community. A proud descendant of the Buruberongal and Cannemegal clans of the Dharug Nation, she traces her ancestry to many significant historical figures: Maria Lock, the first Aboriginal woman granted land by the colonial government; her father Yarramundi, a renowned Koradji (clever man/doctor) and chief who met with Governor Phillip in the 1791, whose father was Gomeberee and Boorin, Chief of the Prospect Clan.

Having lived on Dharug Country her entire life, Aunty Ros has balanced her cultural responsibilities with family life as a mother of three and grandmother of five. Her other passion is practicing Yoga.

In 2025, she was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in the King’s Birthday Honours, recognising her outstanding service to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities—an accolade widely regarded as long overdue.

Aunty Ros currently serves as Chairperson of Muru Mittigar, where she supports culturally grounded employment, training, and community programs. Aunty Ros is a current member of WSU’s Elders Advisory Committee.  She is also highly sought after for Welcome to Country ceremonies, cultural consultancy, and truth-telling initiatives, contributing to healing, education, and the preservation of Dharug cultural knowledge.

She is also a member of both Parramatta and Hornsby Local Government Advisory groups.

Aunty Terri is a proud Wiradjuri woman from Narromine in the Central Western Slopes and Plains of NSW, and a respected Elder whose lifelong commitment to culture, community, and education continues to shape Western Sydney. Born and raised in Narromine, she draws strength from her deep family roots and the teachings of the Elders who guided her upbringing.

Aunty Terri dedicated 17 years of service to Western Sydney University, beginning her career as a Trainee Administration Assistant in Human Resources before progressing to the role of Community Engagement Officer. In this position, she played a vital role in supporting the University’s traineeship programs and coordinating the Elders on Campus initiative. She worked closely with Elders to deliver Welcome to Country and Acknowledgement of Country ceremonies at major university events, strengthening cultural visibility and community connection across the institution.

Following her retirement in June 2025, Aunty Terri was honoured to join the Elders Advisory Committee, marking a new chapter in her leadership. In this role, she contributes cultural guidance, advocates for student wellbeing, and helps shape strategies that ensure Western Sydney University remains a safe, inclusive, and culturally grounded environment.

Aunty Terri continues to champion community strength, cultural pride, and the empowerment of future generations.